There is a very wide choice of safety shoes on sale, and at first sight they look all the same. Yet, there are great differences between different types. My goal is to teach you how to distinguish the appropriate safety shoes for each job. In particular, in this article I will talk about safety footwear for the microelectronics sector.
I will try to give you an idea of what kind of safety footwear is most suited for your workplace and, in general, for your needs.
Of course it is not possible to make an accurate list of all types of risks related to this line of work, but the following are the most frequent.
I am sure that this article will help you to choose the perfect type of safety footwear for your needs.
Safety footwear for the microelectronics sector: types of tasks
In this sector one often works near automatized handling and internal transport systems, and other mechanical systems, interconnected to form production lines.
The right safety footwear for a job in this field should protect you, but at the same time they should let your feet breathe, so a good pair of comfortable safety shoes for the microelectronics sector will do its job.
But a work in the microelectronics sector doesn’t include one single activity, so the risks are different according to the task, as well as the required safety footwear.
Here are the main activities that are pursued in this sector:
• Assembly of microchips: in this job you must pay attention to the electronic chips that could get burned because of static electricity coming from your body. Therefore, ESD shoes are recommended.
• “IT guy”: in this job you don’t need particular protection, so professional shoes following the 20347 standard (without toe cap) are more than enough. In your type of job you must pay attention to the computer chips that could get burned because of the static electricity coming from your body. Therefore, normally one should wear professional footwear of the ESD type, for example O1 ESD.
Safety footwear for the microelectronics sector: assembly and repair
• Assembly in the automotive sector: you should wear comfortable safety footwear because you work in several positions, often on your knees. The sole should be very flexible, and the insole comfortable. However, many people in this job prefer to wear ESD safety shoes (for example, S1 ESD).
• Repair of television sets and radios: normally no toecap is needed, so professional 20347 footwear is needed. An ESD sole is however advisable, in order to be safer. An O1 ESD product is a good example.
Best “ESD” picks by SafetyShoesToday
Amazon.co.uk
Amazon.co.uk
Safety footwear for the microelectronics sector: the risks
So far we have seen the most important tasks in the microelectronics sector. Now we are going to have a look at the main risks for your feet.
Of course it is not possible to include all risks, but the following are the most common. I am sure that this will help you to choose the right type of safety footwear for your needs at work
• You must buy safety footwear to work, but you don’t know what features they should have?
• You would like to have a better idea about the risks related to a job in this field?
Now I am going to show you what are the most frequent risks in this work environment, to help you to choose the right safety shoes for your job.
What are the risks for your feet? And what solutions can be found on the market?
In the microelectronics sector the risk of slipping is very high, so an SRC sole is highly advisable.
Safety footwear for the microelectronics sector: types of protection and required features
Almost any type of shoes and designs has variations that offer long-lasting safety; a good pair of safety shoes suited for the microelectronics sector should have the following features:
• Slip-resistance (SRC).
Moreover, the sole should be preferably made of single density PU, but it may also be of any other type. The toecap can be of any material, but a non-metallic one is preferable (composite materials, glass fibre).
Safety footwear for the microelectronics sector: required products
• UNI EN ISO 20345 and 20347: personal protective equipment – Specifications for safety shoes with general purpose. Such shoes are equipped with protective toecap, and protect the user from impacts and crushes. They can withstand forces up to 200J and pressure loads of at least 15kN.
• S1 safety shoes. More information about S1 safety footwear here.
• Safety or professional ESD footwear.
Safety footwear for the microelectronics sector: what do you think?
Those were the features that I suggest you should check if you are looking for the perfect product for you needs.
As soon as you have chosen the right product for you, you will be much safer at work.
I promise that, if you find the right pair of safety shoes or boots for your job, working will become a better experience for you!
What do you think about this type of safety footwear?
Do you have any points to add?
Leave us a comment below!
